Scorpions truly look like something out of a movie, but they’re actually a member of the arachnid species. You’ll immediately recognize them – they have the claws of a lobster and the tail of a pug that curls up over their backs. Their bodies are covered in a hard shell and the end of their curved tails are tipped with a stinger. And sting they do, but only when surprised.
Scorpions in Texas
About 1,500 known species of this predatory arachnid live across the world. More than 90 types live in this country alone. Texas is home to over a dozen different types of scorpions, with the most common being the striped bark scorpion or Centruroides vittatus. It’s a medium-sized, pale-colored scorpion, about two to three inches long. What sets it apart from the other scorpions are the two dark stripes across its back with a dark triangle on its head.
There’s no escaping scorpions if you live in Texas. We’re lucky, though – Baja California has more than 60 separate species of scorpions! More than likely, the only type of scorpion you’ll ever see is the striped bark scorpion, although it’s possible you’ll run into the wind scorpion and the cave scorpion if you’re out and about around caves and wilderness areas.
Where will I find scorpions?
With so many scorpions around Texas, it’s not surprising to find one in the sink or on the floor from time to time. The striped bark scorpion especially loves the dark, so you could find them under the sink, under the bed, in the linen closet and in the garage and backyard, under rocks and debris — anywhere there’s a dark corner or space.
The scorpion’s love of dark places means they may see you before you see them. As a matter of fact, most people don’t even know there are scorpions around them until they are stung.
Scorpions are most active at night when few lights are on. So getting up in the middle of the night and turning on the light may mean you’re greeted by a surprise nocturnal visitor.
What should I do if I get stung?
Scorpions sting when they’re surprised, which is the main way we come across them. Each year, thousands are stung, but in most cases, the sting is not deadly. The area around the sting will swell and you’ll feel a burning sensation (more so than a bee sting). In those who are sensitive or allergic to stinging insects, there may be feelings of lightheadedness, flushing, nausea and vomiting; more severe reactions can include anaphylactic shock, so make sure to keep an eye on anyone with severe allergies.
The good news is that even without treatment, the reaction to a scorpion sting lasts about 30 minutes. The best way to treat a scorpion sting is to apply ice as soon as possible, to reduce the swelling and burning at the site. Because swelling is, at times, not confined to the area of the bite alone, it’s best to remove jewelry and watches, so your rings don’t get stuck on your fingers. Also, wash the area well with soap and water.
How can I avoid scorpions?
Unfortunately, if you live in Texas any amount of time, you can’t avoid scorpions, but there are things you can do to lessen the risk:
- Find their hiding spots. Do some scorpion hunting. Under black light, scorpions appear blue, so grab a black light, turn out the rest of the lights and search in the crevices and corners of the house.
- Stop, look and shake. Because scorpions love the dark, be aware they could be hiding in the last dark place you’d think of – your shoes, your bed and your clothes. Before you put on your shoes, shake them out. Same goes for your clothes – shake your clothes before putting them on; you never know who has chosen that shirt as a cozy resting place.
- Keep on those shoes. While we’re talking about shoes, make sure to wear them. Avoid going barefoot, especially when walking in grass or other places where scorpions could be hiding.
- Protect your hands. If you’re going to be working outside, remember to wear gloves; your lawn and garden are perfect hiding places for scorpions, hiding under rocks and other debris. Be watchful as you reach into dark areas that haven’t been used in a while, like your garage and work bench that have gone unused over the winter.
To reduce the risk of scorpions getting into the house, seal your home as best you can. As each new season comes around, check around your windows and doors to make sure they close completely, then caulk and weather strip if you find gaps or worn weatherstripping.
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